Air-handler module and evaporator-expansion module for building structure

ABSTRACT

An apparatus includes an evaporator-expansion module configured to (A) provide electric energy to a building structure, and (B) cooperate with an air-handler module configured to provide thermal energy to a building structure. The evaporator-expansion module includes an evaporator assembly including a heated fluid conduit, a refrigerant conduit, and a thermal buffer. The heated fluid conduit is configured to convey a heated fluid. The refrigerant conduit is configured to convey an evaporator refrigerant. The thermal buffer is configured to be positioned relative to the heated fluid conduit and the refrigerant conduit. This is done in such a way that the thermal buffer transfers thermal energy from the heated fluid that is positioned in the heated fluid conduit to the evaporator refrigerant that is positioned in the refrigerant conduit.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This document relates to the technical field of (and is not limited to)(A) an apparatus including an evaporator-expansion module and anair-handler module (and method therefor), and/or (B) an apparatusincluding an evaporator-expansion module configured to cooperate with anair-handler module (and method therefor).

BACKGROUND

Standalone heating equipment (deployed in or for a building structure)is configured to operate by utilizing a fuel (such as, natural gas,propane, oil, electricity, etc.).

Standalone power generation equipment (deployed in or for a buildingstructure) is configured to operate by utilizing a fuel (such as,natural gas, propane, oil, solar, wind, etc.).

SUMMARY

It will be appreciated that there exists a need to mitigate (at least inpart) at least one problem associated with the existing heatingequipment (also called the existing technology) for a buildingstructure. After much study of the known systems and methods withexperimentation, an understanding of the problem and its solution hasbeen identified and is articulated as follows:

Known heating assemblies or appliances (for utilization with buildingstructures), such as a gas-fired furnace, an electric-driven heat pump,etc., are configured to produce heat while consuming electrical power.

Known electrical power generators (for utilization with buildingstructures), such as an internal combustion engine, a solar photovoltaicsystem, etc., are configured to provide electrical power (and do notprovide thermal energy usable for heating building structures).

Known European and Japanese manufacturers provide heating equipmentconfigured to provide heat and electrical power (also called CHPequipment, or Cogeneration or Combined Heat and Power equipment). KnownCHP equipment is configured to utilize internal combustion engines,Stirling engines, combustion turbines and fuel cells, etc. Known CHPequipment are also known to: (A) be relatively higher in cost tomanufacture, (B) need excessive maintenance, (C) be relatively overlycomplex, (D) be relatively difficult to install or service, and/or (E)emit a relatively higher noise level and/or relatively higher combustionemission (chemical pollution, etc.). In addition, known CHP equipmentare not configured to switch between different types of fuel sources(such as, between cheaper fuel sources and/or cleaner fuel sources,etc.). Moreover, some known CHP equipment is configured to use abuilding hydronic distribution loop (also called a hydronic system) as aheat sink. A majority of North American residential building structures(such as homes) utilize air ducts (conduits) and, therefore, are nottypically (and conveniently) compatible with known hydronic systems.

What may be needed, for at least some embodiments, is an apparatusconfigured to provide (at least in part) a combination of (A) heat(thermal energy) to the building structure (such as, residentialbuildings, commercial buildings, etc.) and (B) electrical power to thebuilding structure. In this manner, electrical-power consumption savingsmay be realized for the case where the building structure (such as forthe case where the building structure does not receive electric powerfrom an electrical utility grid). In this manner, energy security orindependence may be provided.

What may be needed, for at least some embodiments, is an apparatusconfigured to (A) deliver relatively higher electrical utility (cost)savings, (B) provide heat (thermal energy), and/or (C) electric powerusable to offset an electrical load (electrical consumption demand)associated with the building structure.

What may be needed, for at least some embodiments, is an apparatusconfigured to provide (at least in part) lower manufactured cost, alower installation cost, a lower maintenance cost, and/or a loweroperating cost, etc.

What may be needed, for at least some embodiments, is an apparatusconfigured to utilize, at least in part, solar thermal energy and/orhigher-temperature geothermal energy (instead of fuel combustion or incombination with fuel combustion) to drive a vapor expansion cycleprocess.

What may be needed, for at least some embodiments, is an apparatusconfigured to utilize (at least in part) a building air duct system asthe heat sink.

What may be needed, for at least some embodiments, is an apparatusconfigured to be installable in building structures (that may havebasements) located in northern climates.

What may be needed, for at least some embodiments, is an apparatusconfigured to deliver (provide), at least in part, relatively higherelectrical utility savings during winter season operation as well asprovide heat and electric power for a building structure. The deliveredheat (thermal energy) offsets a heating load that the building structuremay normally experience during the winter season. The delivered electricpower offsets (at least in part) the electric power normally consumed bycomponents (motors and electronics, etc.) of the heating equipment,along with other electrical loads in the building structure.

What may be needed, for at least some embodiments, is an apparatusconfigured to have (at least in part) a relatively lower manufacturedcost, installation and/or maintenance requirement. In accordance with apreferred embodiment, the apparatus includes (for instance) apremix-fuel burner assembly with a modulating gas valve configured todeliver an appropriate amount of heat to an evaporator coil without theneed for dilution of combustion exhaust gases.

What may be needed, for at least some embodiments, is an apparatusconfigured to be equipped with an optional evaporator heat exchangerconfigured to cooperate with a suitable source of renewable energy (suchas, solar thermal, geothermal, waste heat, etc., and any equivalentthereof).

What may be needed, for at least for some embodiments, is an apparatusconfigured to operate in a North American building structure (such as, aresidential building and/or a commercial building, etc.) that has an airduct system. For instance, a combustion and vapor expansion process maybe located in a module configured to be utilized with (mounted eitheroutside or inside) the building structure. An air handler module may beis configured to be utilized with (mounted in a basement, attic orcloset of) the building structure (preferably, in any givenorientation).

What may be needed, for at least some embodiments, is an apparatusconfigured to (A) include (at least in part) improved ability to obtaingovernment approval or certification, and/or (B) be relatively easier toinstall.

What may be needed, for at least some embodiments, is an apparatusconfigured to provide a safety and interlock system for the case where avapor expansion module is located outside of a building structure.

What may be needed, for at least some embodiments, is an apparatusconfigured to include an indoor air handler module and an outdoor vaporexpansion module, in which case space in a building structure may bepreserved for other uses.

To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem associated with theexisting technology, there is provided (in accordance with a first majoraspect) an apparatus. The apparatus includes and is not limited to(comprises) an air-handler module and an evaporator-expansion module.The air-handler module is configured to provide thermal energy to abuilding structure. The evaporator-expansion module is configured toprovide electric energy to the building structure. Theevaporator-expansion module is also configured to cooperate with theair-handler module. The evaporator-expansion module includes (and is notlimited to) an evaporator assembly. The evaporator assembly includes(and is not limited to) a heated fluid conduit and a refrigerantconduit. The heated fluid conduit is configured to convey, in use, aheated fluid. The refrigerant conduit is configured to convey, in use,an evaporator refrigerant. The heated fluid conduit is positionedrelative to (proximate to) the refrigerant conduit. This is done in sucha way that the heated fluid conduit, in use, transfers thermal energyfrom the heated fluid that is positioned in the heated fluid conduit tothe evaporator refrigerant that is positioned in the refrigerantconduit.

To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem associated with theexisting technology, there is provided (in accordance with a secondmajor aspect) an apparatus. The apparatus includes and is not limited to(comprises) an evaporator-expansion module. The evaporator-expansionmodule is configured to provide electric energy to a building structure.The evaporator-expansion module is also configured to cooperate with anair-handler module. The air-handler module is configured to providethermal energy to a building structure. The evaporator-expansion moduleincludes (and is not limited to) an evaporator assembly. The evaporatorassembly includes (and is not limited to) a heated fluid conduit and arefrigerant conduit. The heated fluid conduit is configured to convey,in use, a heated fluid. The refrigerant conduit is configured to convey,in use, an evaporator refrigerant. The heated fluid conduit ispositioned relative to (proximate to) the refrigerant conduit. This isdone in such a way that the heated fluid conduit, in use, transfersthermal energy from the heated fluid that is positioned in the heatedfluid conduit to the evaporator refrigerant that is positioned in therefrigerant conduit.

Embodiments of the apparatus may be configured to provide relativelyconstant heat and power to a building structure while providing a sourceof electrical power to the building structure, thereby providing utilitysavings (electrical utility savings) and/or energy security(self-sufficiency for the case where the building structure does notrely on the electrical grid for receiving electrical power).

For the case where a heat source for the apparatus is provided by arenewable energy source (such as, solar thermal, geothermal, hydrogenfuel, etc., and any equivalent thereof), the heat and electrical powerthat are produced by the apparatus may result in relatively lower(preferably zero) greenhouse gas emissions. Having access to affordableand/or reliable heat and electrical power may be a requirement for thebuilding structure (such as, a residential home, detached home, a townhome, an apartment building, a commercial building, etc., and anyequivalent thereof).

Other aspects are identified in the claims. Other aspects and featuresof the non-limiting embodiments may now become apparent to those skilledin the art upon review of the following detailed description of thenon-limiting embodiments with the accompanying drawings. This Summary isprovided to introduce concepts in simplified form that are furtherdescribed below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is notintended to identify key features or essential features of the disclosedsubject matter, and is not intended to describe each disclosedembodiment or every implementation of the disclosed subject matter. Manyother novel advantages, features, and relationships will become apparentas this description proceeds. The figures and the description thatfollow more particularly exemplify illustrative embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The non-limiting embodiments may be more fully appreciated by referenceto the following detailed description of the non-limiting embodimentswhen taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a schematic view of an apparatus including anevaporator-expansion module configured to cooperate with an air-handlermodule; and

FIGS. 2-11 depict schematic views of the evaporator-expansion module ofFIG. 1.

The drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be illustrated byphantom lines, diagrammatic representations and fragmentary views. Incertain instances, details unnecessary for an understanding of theembodiments (and/or details that render other details difficult toperceive) may have been omitted. Corresponding reference charactersindicate corresponding components throughout the several figures of thedrawings. Elements in the several figures are illustrated for simplicityand clarity and have not been drawn to scale. The dimensions of some ofthe elements in the figures may be emphasized relative to other elementsfor facilitating an understanding of the various disclosed embodiments.In addition, common, but well-understood, elements that are useful ornecessary in commercially feasible embodiments are often not depicted toprovide a less obstructed view of the embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

LISTING OF REFERENCE NUMERALS USED IN THE DRAWINGS

100 air-handler module

101 evaporator-expansion module

102 supply air assembly

104 return air assembly

106 supply-fan controller

108 supply-fan assembly

109 supply-fan motor assembly

110 condenser assembly

111 pump-condenser module

112 filter assembly

113 refrigerant flow circuit

114 pump assembly

115 pump motor

116 expander assembly

117 generator assembly

118 pump controller

119 fan-and-burner controller

120 evaporator assembly

121 refrigerant conduit

122 evaporator fan

123 evaporator fan motor

124 expander controller

125 evaporator refrigerant

126 battery assembly

127 electric heating element

128 pipe structure

129 electric heating controller

132 evaporator heat exchanger

133 first three-way valve

134 second three-way valve

135 third three-way valve

136 fourth three-way valve

138 condenser heat exchanger

140 battery controller

142 automatic-disconnect assembly

144 electrical-distribution panel

146 supply-fan controller

148 battery assembly

150 power generation system

199 apparatus

322 mixture

324 heat-generating assembly

325 heated fluid

326 inlet manifold

328 heated fluid conduit

330 thermal buffer

332 inlet

334 outlet

336 outlet manifold

338 water-vapor drain

340 pressure vent

344 tank assembly

346 combustion exhaust-gas vent

801 supply air

802 exhaust gas

803 return air

804 fuel

806 combustion air

808 solar thermal return

810 solar thermal supply

812 hydronic return

814 hydronic supply

816 electric utility grid

900 building structure

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENT(S)

The following detailed description is merely exemplary and is notintended to limit the described embodiments or the application and usesof the described embodiments. As used, the word “exemplary” or“illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.”Any implementation described as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is notnecessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over otherimplementations. All of the implementations described below areexemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the artto make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended tolimit the scope of the disclosure. The scope of the claim is defined bythe claims (in which the claims may be amended during patent examinationafter filing of this application). For the description, the terms“upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,”“horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the examples asoriented in the drawings. There is no intention to be bound by anyexpressed or implied theory in the preceding Technical Field,Background, Summary or the following detailed description. It is also tobe understood that the devices and processes illustrated in the attacheddrawings, and described in the following specification, are exemplaryembodiments (examples), aspects and/or concepts defined in the appendedclaims. Hence, dimensions and other physical characteristics relating tothe embodiments disclosed are not to be considered as limiting, unlessthe claims expressly state otherwise. It is understood that the phrase“at least one” is equivalent to “a”. The aspects (examples, alterations,modifications, options, variations, embodiments and any equivalentthereof) are described regarding the drawings. It should be understoodthat the invention is limited to the subject matter provided by theclaims, and that the invention is not limited to the particular aspectsdepicted and described. It will be appreciated that the scope of themeaning of to device configured to be coupled to an item (that is, to beconnected to, to interact with the item, etc.) is to be interpreted asthe device being configured to be coupled to the item, either directlyor indirectly. Therefore, “configured to” may include the meaning“either directly or indirectly” unless specifically stated otherwise.

FIG. 1 depicts a schematic view of an apparatus 199 including anevaporator-expansion module 101 configured to cooperate with anair-handler module 100.

Referring to an embodiment (in accordance with a first major embodiment)as depicted in FIG. 1, there is provided the apparatus 199. Theapparatus 199 includes and is not limited to (comprises) a synergisticcombination of an air-handler module 100 and an evaporator-expansionmodule 101.

The air-handler module 100 is configured to provide thermal energy to abuilding structure 900 (such as, a residential home). More specifically,the air-handler module 100 is configured to provide (generate) thermalenergy (such as heated air), and to move the thermal energy through thebuilding structure 900.

The evaporator-expansion module 101 is configured to provide (generateand supply) electric power (electric energy) to the building structure900 (that is, to either provide some of the electric energy or all ofthe electric energy to be consumed by the building structure 900). Theevaporator-expansion module 101 is also configured to cooperate with theair-handler module 100.

The evaporator-expansion module 101 includes (and is not limited to) anevaporator assembly 120. The evaporator assembly 120 includes (and isnot limited to) a heated fluid conduit 328 and a refrigerant conduit121. The heated fluid conduit 328 is positioned relative to (proximateto) the refrigerant conduit 121. The heated fluid conduit 328 isconfigured to convey, in use, a heated fluid 325. For instance, theheated fluid conduit 328 is configured to receive the heated fluid 325from the air-handler module 100. The refrigerant conduit 121 isconfigured to convey, in use, an evaporator refrigerant 125. This isdone in such a way that the heated fluid conduit 328, in use, transfersthermal energy (that is positioned in the heated fluid conduit 328) fromthe heated fluid 325 to the evaporator refrigerant 125 (that ispositioned in the refrigerant conduit 121). For instance, the evaporatorrefrigerant 125 is usable in an electrical-generating process forgenerating electrical energy (which may be utilized by the buildingstructure 900), as depicted in the embodiments of FIG. 6 to FIG. 9.

Referring to the embodiment (in accordance with a preferred embodiment)as depicted in FIG. 1, the evaporator assembly 120 further includes athermal buffer 330. The thermal buffer 330 is configured to bepositioned relative to (proximate to or between) the heated fluidconduit 328 and the refrigerant conduit 121. This is done in such a waythat the thermal buffer 330, in use, transfers, at least in part,thermal energy from the heated fluid 325 (that is positioned in theheated fluid conduit 328) to the evaporator refrigerant 125 (that ispositioned in the refrigerant conduit 121).

Referring to an embodiment (in accordance with a second majorembodiment) as depicted in FIG. 1, there is provided the apparatus 199.The apparatus 199 includes and is not limited to (comprises) anevaporator-expansion module 101 (for this case, the evaporator-expansionmodule 101 is configured to be retrofitted to the air-handler module100). For instance, the evaporator-expansion module 101 is manufacturedby a first company, and the air-handler module 100 is manufactured by asecond company. The evaporator-expansion module 101 is configured toprovide, at least in part, electric energy to a building structure 900.The evaporator-expansion module 101 is also configured to cooperate with(to be retrofitted to) the air-handler module 100. The air-handlermodule 100 is configured to provide thermal energy to a buildingstructure 900. The evaporator-expansion module 101 includes (and is notlimited to) an evaporator assembly 120. The evaporator assembly 120includes (and is not limited to) a heated fluid conduit 328 and arefrigerant conduit 121. The heated fluid conduit 328 is configured toconvey, in use, a heated fluid 325. The refrigerant conduit 121 isconfigured to convey, in use, an evaporator refrigerant 125. The heatedfluid conduit 328 is positioned relative to (proximate to) therefrigerant conduit 121. This is done in such a way that the heatedfluid conduit 328, in use, transfers thermal energy from the heatedfluid 325 (that is positioned in the heated fluid conduit 328) to theevaporator refrigerant 125 (that is positioned in the refrigerantconduit 121). In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the evaporatorassembly 120 further includes a thermal buffer 330. The thermal buffer330 is configured to be positioned relative to (proximate to or between)the heated fluid conduit 328 and the refrigerant conduit 121. This isdone in such a way that the thermal buffer 330, in use, transfers, atleast in part, thermal energy from the heated fluid 325 (that ispositioned in the heated fluid conduit 328) to the evaporatorrefrigerant 125 (that is positioned in the refrigerant conduit 121).

The thermal buffer 330 is configured to (A) receive (either directly orindirectly) thermal energy (from the heated fluid conduit 328), and (B)release thermal energy (to the refrigerant conduit 121). Preferably, thethermal buffer 330 is configured to limit (A) the amount of heattransferred (provided) to the evaporator refrigerant 125, and (B) thetemperature of the evaporator refrigerant 125 positioned in therefrigerant conduit 121. The thermal buffer 330 is configured tophysically isolate the heated fluid conduit 328 from the refrigerantconduit 121 (this is done in such a way that the fluids from the heatedfluid conduit 328 and the refrigerant conduit 121 do not make contactwith each other). Advantageously, for instance, the thermal buffer 330improves, at least in part, overall safety regarding potential firehazards. Advantageously, for the case where there is an uncontrolledfire in the heated fluid conduit 328, the thermal buffer 330 isconfigured to block the passage of the fire from the heated fluidconduit 328 the refrigerant conduit 121. In addition (advantageously),for instance, the thermal buffer 330, in use, prevents thermaldegradation of the evaporator refrigerant 125 and the lubrication oilutilized in the evaporator assembly 120.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the thermal buffer 330 isconfigured to have a predetermined thermal capacity. For instance, thethermal buffer 330 includes, preferably, a thermal heat transfer fluid,such as the DYNALENE (TRADEMARK) Model Number MT synthetic heat transferfluid. Preferably, the refrigerant conduit 121 includes an evaporatorcoil (evaporator conduit) and any equivalent thereof (with reference tothe embodiment as depicted in FIG. 1). Preferably, the refrigerantconduit 121 is wrapped around (coiled around) the heated fluid conduit328. The heated fluid 325 is provided by a heat-generating assembly 324(which is preferably a part of the air-handler module 100) and anyequivalent thereof (with reference to the embodiments as depicted inFIGS. 1 to 5). The heat-generating assembly 324 is any type of assemblyconfigured to generate and/or provide thermal energy, heat energy, heat,etc., and any equivalent thereof

In accordance with an embodiment as depicted in FIG. 1, theheat-generating assembly 324 includes a premix-fuel burner assembly witha modulating gas valve that is coupled to the evaporator assembly 120(also called a direct-fired evaporator) without dilution of anair-and-gas mixture (to be consumed by the premix-fuel burner assembly).For instance, the heat-generating assembly 324 includes a premix burnerassembly, a catalytic converter, any type of burner, etc., and anyequivalent thereof. The heated fluid 325 includes a combusted gas (alsocalled a burner exhaust) and any equivalent thereof. Preferably, theheated fluid conduit 328 is aligned along a linear direction.Preferably, the heated fluid conduit 328 includes a plurality ofspaced-apart combustion exhaust-gas tubes aligned along a lineardirection (aligned along a longitudinal axis), and any equivalentthereof. In accordance with an alternative, the evaporator assembly 120includes an indirect fired evaporator assembly, an indirect firedevaporator, etc., and any equivalent thereof.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, an evaporator fan 122 isconfigured to receive a mixture 322 of pre-mixed fuel and air (alsocalled a fuel-and-air pre-mixture). The evaporator fan 122 is fluidlycoupled to an inlet manifold 326 (also called a combustion exhaust-gasinlet manifold). The heated fluid conduit 328 is fluidly connected tothe inlet manifold 326. Preferably, the heated fluid conduit 328includes spaced-apart tubes (also called combustion exhaust-gas tubes).Preferably, the heat-generating assembly 324 includes a burner assemblyor a pre-mix burner assembly. The refrigerant conduit 121 includes aninlet 334 (also called a refrigerant evaporator coil inlet), and anoutlet 332 (also called a refrigerant evaporator coil outlet). Theheated fluid conduit 328 is fluidly connected to an outlet manifold 336(also called a combustion exhaust -as outlet manifold). A water-vapordrain 338 (also called a combustion exhaust condensate drain) extendsdownwardly from the outlet manifold 336. A combustion exhaust-gas vent346 is fluidly connected to the outlet manifold 336. The interior of theevaporator assembly 120 is configured to receive the thermal buffer 330.A pressure vent 340 is coupled to the interior of the evaporatorassembly 120. The pressure vent 340 is configured to relieve excessiveinterior pressure generated in the interior of the evaporator assembly120. The evaporator assembly 120 includes a tank assembly 344 (alsocalled a heat exchanger tank shell).

In accordance with an embodiment as depicted in FIG. 1, the heated fluid325, in use, transfers thermal energy (indirectly such as via thethermal buffer 330) to the refrigerant conduit 121. More specifically,the heated fluid 325 positioned in the heated fluid conduit 328, in use,transfers thermal energy (directly) to the thermal buffer 330, and thethermal buffer 330, in use, transfers thermal energy (directly) to theevaporator refrigerant 125 positioned in the refrigerant conduit 121.The thermal buffer 330 may be called an intermediate thermal fluid orthermal fluid. The thermal buffer 330 is configured to physicallyseparate (isolate) the heated fluid conduit 328 and the refrigerantconduit 121.

Operation

With reference to FIG. 1 and FIGS. 6 to 9, for the case where a controlsystem (known and not depicted) receives a call signal (also called arequest signal) indicating that heat (thermal energy) is to be providedto (or may be required by) the building structure 900, the controlsystem transmits a turn-on signal to the heat-generating assembly 324.This is done in such a way that the heat-generating assembly 324 isactivated to provide thermal energy to the heated fluid 325. An amountof thermal energy is transferred from the heated fluid 325 (such as, theexhaust gas from the burner assembly) to the evaporator refrigerant 125located in the refrigerant conduit 121 (such as, the evaporator coil)via the thermal buffer 330.

For the case where the temperature of the heated fluid 325 (such as, theexhaust gas), in use, drops (falls) below its dew point, the formationof water vapor within the heated fluid 325 may condense (within theheated fluid conduit 328) and may liberate additional thermal heatenergy.

The evaporator refrigerant 125, in use, enters the refrigerant conduit121 in a liquid state and at a relatively higher pressure. The heat (anamount of thermal energy) from the heated fluid 325, in use, istransferred to the evaporator refrigerant 125 and thereby causes achange of state from liquid to vapor (for the evaporator refrigerant125). The evaporator refrigerant 125, in use, that departs from therefrigerant conduit 121 is in a vapor state and at a relatively higherpressure. The evaporator refrigerant 125 exits (departs) the evaporatorassembly 120 and enters an expander assembly 116 (as depicted in FIGS. 6to 9) at a relatively higher pressure, in which the evaporatorrefrigerant 125, in use, imparts mechanical energy to the expanderassembly 116 (thereby causing a decrease in pressure in the evaporatorrefrigerant 125). Through rotation, the expander assembly 116, in use,turns a generator assembly 117 to produce (generate) electricity(electrical power or electrical energy).

The evaporator refrigerant 125, in use, leaves (departs from) theexpander assembly 116 in a vapor state and at a relatively lowerpressure. The evaporator refrigerant 125, in use, enters the condenserassembly 110 (also called a condenser coil) in a vapor state and at arelatively lower pressure. The thermal heat energy from the evaporatorrefrigerant 125 is transferred to the building air (via the supply airassembly 102), thereby causing a change of state of the evaporatorrefrigerant 125 from a vapor state to a liquid state. The evaporatorrefrigerant 125, in use, leaves (departs from) the condenser assembly110 in a liquid state and at a relatively lower pressure. The evaporatorrefrigerant 125, in use, enters the pump assembly 114 at a relativelylower pressure. A pump motor 115 is configured to consume electricity toturn the pump assembly 114 through rotation. The pump assembly 114, inuse, imparts mechanical energy to the evaporator refrigerant 125 andthereby causes an increase in pressure of the evaporator refrigerant125. The evaporator refrigerant 125, in use, leaves (departs from) thepump assembly 114 in a liquid state and at relatively higher pressure.The evaporator refrigerant 125 exits (departs) from the pump assembly114 and enters the evaporator assembly 120 (and into the refrigerantconduit 121, as depicted in FIG. 1) to repeat the operating cycle. Thesupply-fan assembly 108 in the air-handler module 100 induces a buildingair flow through a side of the condenser assembly 110.

Thermal Breakdown

A potential concern with deployment of the evaporator refrigerant 125 inthe evaporator assembly 120 is that the thermal breakdown temperature ofthe evaporator refrigerant 125 and/or a lubrication oil may be exceeded(if not properly addressed and mitigated). To mitigate such apossibility, a thermal-control device (known and not depicted) isprovided, in which the thermal-control device is configured to controlthe temperature of the heated fluid 325 impinging on the evaporatorassembly 120. Preferably, the thermal-control device (for protectingagainst the overheating of the heated fluid 325) includes a temperatureswitch configured to open in response to a predetermined temperature toshut-off the heat-generating assembly 324 (such as, a burner circuit).The temperature switch includes the THERMODISC (TRADEMARK) Model 49Ttemperature switch. THERMODISC is headquartered in Ohio, U.S.A.

For instance, an option for mitigating the thermal breakdown temperatureof the evaporator refrigerant 125 is to utilize an indirect heatingprocess configured to transfer energy from the heated fluid conduit 328(having the heated fluid 325, such as to be provided by a combustionprocess, etc.) to the refrigerant conduit 121 having the evaporatorrefrigerant 125. The combustion gases are utilized to heat a fluid (suchas steam, pressurized water, thermal oil, etc.) within a closed pipingloop. With an internal pump, the heated fluid is transferred from thefluid to the evaporator assembly 120 (also called a refrigerant heatexchanger), which may then evaporate the evaporator refrigerant 125. Theadvantage is that the fluid temperatures in contact with the evaporatorassembly 120 are limited. The disadvantage is that the system may bemore complex with an additional pump assembly, piping and/or fluid.

Another option for mitigating the thermal breakdown temperature of theevaporator refrigerant 125 is to utilize a catalytic burner to evaporatethe evaporator refrigerant 125. A catalytic burner relies on the use ofan exotic metal to enable a flameless chemical reaction between the fueland oxygen to liberate heat energy. The advantage of the catalyticburner is that the exhaust-gas temperatures are relatively lower to thepoint where recirculated dilution gases may not be needed (and thus maybe expelled). A disadvantage of the catalytic burner may be that thecatalytic burner takes up a very large surface area.

Referring to an option of the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 1, theevaporator fan 122 in the external module is located either upstream ordownstream from the refrigerant conduit 121 (also called the evaporatorcoil). The thermal buffer 330 within the tank of the evaporator assembly120 (the indirect-fired evaporator) may be stationary or may be agitatedby a mechanical means (also called a mixer device) to increase the rateof heat transfer.

Referring to an option of the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 1, theevaporator assembly 120 is configured to be direct fired, with apremix-fuel burner assembly and a modulating gas valve. For instance,the evaporator assembly 120 is configured to be indirect fired with atank assembly 344 (also called a thermal fluid tank or tank shell) and apremix-fuel burner assembly with a modulating gas valve.

FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 depict schematic views (side views) of theevaporator-expansion module 101 of FIG. 1.

Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, theair-handler module 100 and the evaporator-expansion module 101 are bothpositioned (located) within the interior of the building structure 900.Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 2, theevaporator-expansion module 101 has a left-hand return air (return airassembly 104). Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 3, theevaporator-expansion module 101 has a right-hand return air (return airassembly 104). The air-handler module 100 includes a supply-fancontroller 106 configured to control the operation of a heating assembly(such as a natural-gas burner), which is known and not depicted. Theheating assembly is configured to generate heat to be fluidly providedto the interior of the building structure 900. A supply-fan assembly 108is configured to move air (fresh cooler air) from a return air assembly104 (such as an air intake or return air 801 either from an interior orexterior (or both) of the building structure 900) to the heatingassembly that is positioned in the air-handler module 100. The heatingassembly is configured to provide heat to the return air received fromthe return air assembly 104 (as a result of the operation of thesupply-fan assembly 108). The supply-fan assembly 108 is also configuredto move air (heated air) from the heating assembly of theevaporator-expansion module 101 towards the air-handler module 100, andthen towards a supply air assembly 102 (such as the air outtake orsupply air 803 to the interior of the building structure 900); in thismanner, heated air is provided to the interior of the building structure900 and also to the air-handler module 100.

The evaporator-expansion module 101 includes (and is not limited to) acondenser assembly 110 (also called the condenser coil), a filterassembly 112, a pump assembly 114, an expander assembly 116, a pumpcontroller 118, an evaporator assembly 120 (also called an indirectfired evaporator section), an evaporator fan 122, and an expandercontroller 124. As an option, a battery assembly 126 is provided. Thedetails for the evaporator-expansion module 101 are depicted in FIGS. 6to 9.

FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 depict schematic views of the evaporator-expansionmodule 101 of FIG. 1.

Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, theevaporator-expansion module 101 is configured to be deployed(positioned) outside (the exterior of) the building structure 900, andthe air-handler module 100 is configured to be deployed (positioned)inside (the interior of) the building structure 900. Referring to theembodiment as depicted in FIG. 4, the air-handler module 100 has aleft-hand return air. Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 5,the air-handler module 100 has a right-hand return air. A pipe structure128 (field-installed pipes) is configured to fluidly connect theair-handler module 100 with the evaporator-expansion module 101.

FIG. 6 depicts a schematic view of the evaporator-expansion module 101of FIG. 1.

Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 6, and for the casewhere the combination of the air-handler module 100 and theevaporator-expansion module 101 is installed (positioned) inside thebuilding structure 900, the evaporator-expansion module 101 includes arefrigerant flow circuit 113. The refrigerant flow circuit 113 includesan evaporator assembly 120 (that is fluidly connected to the pumpassembly 114), an expander assembly 116 (that is fluidly connected tothe evaporator assembly 120), a condenser assembly 110 (that is fluidlyconnected to the expander assembly 116), and a pump assembly 114 (thatis fluidly connected to the condenser assembly 110). The evaporatorrefrigerant 125 (as depicted in FIG. 1) is made to flow through therefrigerant flow circuit 113 (as depicted in FIG. 6). A pump-condensermodule 111 includes the pump assembly 114 and the condenser assembly110. A pump motor 115 is configured to operate the pump assembly 114.The expander assembly 116 is configured to rotate a generator assembly117. A supply-fan motor assembly 109 is configured to operate thesupply-fan assembly 108. An evaporator fan motor 123 is configured tooperate the evaporator fan 122. A heat-generating assembly 324 isfluidly coupled to the evaporator assembly 120. The evaporator assembly120 is fluidly coupled to the exhaust gas 802. A fuel 804 is configuredto be fluidly connected to the heat-generating assembly 324. Acombustion air 806 is configured to be fluidly connected to theheat-generating assembly 324.

Referring to a variation of the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 6, andfor the case where the evaporator-expansion module 101 is to beinstalled (positioned) outside of the building structure 900, theevaporator assembly 120 and the expander assembly 116 are located withinthe evaporator-expansion module 101, while the condenser assembly 110and the pump assembly 114 are located (positioned) within theair-handler module 100 (which is located in the building structure 900).

The evaporator-expansion module 101 includes a refrigerant flow circuit113 configured to circulate the evaporator refrigerant 125. Theevaporator assembly 120 is configured to be indirect fired. Thecondenser assembly 110 is configured to be air cooled. Theevaporator-expansion module 101 may be located inside or outside thebuilding structure 900. The pump-condenser module 111 may be locatedwithin the air-handler module 100, in which the air-handler module 100is positioned or located inside the building structure 900. Thesupply-fan assembly 108 may be located downstream of the condenserassembly 110.

Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 6, the supply-fanassembly 108 in the internal module may be located either upstream ordownstream from the condenser coil of the condenser assembly 110.

FIG. 7 depicts a schematic view of the evaporator-expansion module 101of FIG. 1.

Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 7, an evaporator heatexchanger 132 is configured to utilize solar thermal and/or orgeothermal energy in conjunction with the evaporator assembly 120(direct-fired evaporator using fuel combustion). The evaporator heatexchanger 132 (also called a liquid-to-refrigerant heat exchanger) maybe provided in parallel with the evaporator assembly 120 (such as anindirect fired evaporator) to take advantage of solar thermal and/orgeothermal energy. The evaporator heat exchanger 132 is configured to befluidly coupled to a renewable thermal energy source. The evaporatorheat exchanger 132 is fluidly connected to a solar thermal return 808and a solar thermal supply 810. The evaporator heat exchanger 132 isconfigured to operate in cooperation with the evaporator assembly 120. Asecond three-way valve 134 and a fourth three-way valve 136 areconfigured to fluidly interface the evaporator heat exchanger 132 withthe evaporator assembly 120.

The evaporator assembly 120 is configured to be indirect fired. Thecondenser assembly 110 is configured to be air cooled. The evaporatorheat exchanger 132 is solar thermal heated. The evaporator-expansionmodule 101 may be located inside or outside the building structure 900.The pump-condenser module 111 may be located within the air-handlermodule 100, in which the air-handler module 100 is positioned or locatedinside the building structure 900. The supply-fan assembly 108 may belocated downstream of the condenser assembly 110.

FIG. 8 depicts a schematic view of the evaporator-expansion module 101of FIG. 1.

Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 8, a condenser heatexchanger 138 is configured to utilize hydronic water, domestic water orpool water. The condenser heat exchanger 138 (also called aliquid-to-refrigerant heat exchanger) may be provided in parallel withthe condenser assembly 110 (configured to be air cooled) to takeadvantage of a hydronic loop, a domestic water loop and/or a pool waterloop. The condenser heat exchanger 138 is configured to fluidlycooperate with the condenser assembly 110. The condenser heat exchanger138 is configured to fluidly connect with a hydronic return 812 and ahydronic supply 814. A first three-way valve 133 and a third three-wayvalve 135 are configured to fluidly interface the condenser assembly 110with the condenser heat exchanger 138.

The evaporator assembly 120 is configured to be indirect fired. Thecondenser assembly 110 is configured to be air cooled. The condenserheat exchanger 138 is configured to be hydronic cooled. Theevaporator-expansion module 101 may be located inside or outside thebuilding structure 900. The pump-condenser module 111 includes the pumpassembly 114 and the condenser assembly 110. Alternatively, thepump-condenser module 111 may be located within the air-handler module100, in which the air-handler module 100 is positioned or located insidethe building structure 900. Alternatively, the supply-fan assembly 108may be located downstream of the condenser assembly 110.

FIG. 9 depicts a schematic view of the evaporator-expansion module 101of FIG. 1.

Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 9, the condenser heatexchanger 138 and the evaporator heat exchanger 132 are deployed withthe evaporator assembly 120. The evaporator assembly 120 is configuredto be indirect fired. The evaporator heat exchanger 132 is solar thermalheated. The condenser assembly 110 is configured to be air cooled. Thecondenser heat exchanger 138 is configured to be hydronic cooled. Theevaporator-expansion module 101 may be located inside or outside thebuilding structure 900. The pump-condenser module 111 includes the pumpassembly 114 and the condenser assembly 110. The pump-condenser module111 may be located within the air-handler module 100, in which theair-handler module 100 is positioned or located inside the buildingstructure 900. The supply-fan assembly 108 may be located downstream ofthe condenser assembly 110.

FIG. 10 depicts a schematic view of the evaporator-expansion module 101of FIG. 1.

In accordance with an embodiment as depicted in FIG. 10, a batteryassembly 148 (also called an on-board battery, or a battery storagesystem) and the expander controller 124 (also called a grid-independentexpander controller or an inverter-and-charging assembly) is configuredto allow the apparatus 199 to operate in the event of outage of theelectric utility grid 816.

A battery controller 140 is electrically connected to anelectrical-distribution panel 144 (also called a breaker panel). Anautomatic-disconnect assembly 142 electrically connects theelectrical-distribution panel 144 (breaker panel) to the electricutility grid 816. A supply-fan controller 146 is electrically connectedto the electrical-distribution panel 144.

The generator assembly 117 is configured to output AC (AlternatingCurrent) power (preferably, three-phase AC power) that may be rectifiedto DC (Direct Current) power. The DC power may be converted to singlephase AC power through an inverter that is compatible with the electricgrid. Alternatively, the DC power can also be left as is to charge abattery that may operate independently of the electric grid.

The pump motor 115 of the pump assembly 114 may utilize AC power fromthe electric utility grid 816 through a controller that rectifies ACpower (provided by the electric utility grid 816) to DC power beforeinverting to AC power (or three-phase AC power) that is input to thepump motor 115.

For the case where the evaporator-expansion module 101 is to be deployedas a grid-connected system, the power output from the generator assembly117 is exported to the building structure 900 or to the electric utilitygrid 816 via an expander controller 124.

Power input for the internal loads of the apparatus 199 may be importedfrom the building structure 900 or from the electric utility grid 816(through other controllers). The building structure 900 has the optionto install a battery storage system that has the ability to run theapparatus 199 along with other electrical loads in the event of anelectric utility grid 816 outage. A main disconnect switch may berequired to be activated in order to prevent the electric utility grid816 from being energized in an outage situation.

The generator assembly 117 is configured to provide electrical output tothe electrical-distribution panel 144 (breaker panel or utility gridconnection) via the expander controller 124.

The battery assembly 126 (the on-board battery) is not provided (inaccordance with an option). The expander controller 124 is a utilitygrid-connected unit, and includes an anti-islanding unit (known). Theautomatic-disconnect assembly 142 is optional (known and may be providedby a third party). The automatic-disconnect assembly 142 may be requiredfor the case where a battery assembly 148 is present, in which thebattery assembly 148 is configured to prevent the electric utility grid816 from being energized in the event of the electric utility grid 816is not operational (also called a grid outage condition). The batteryassembly 126 (also called a battery storage system) is optional. Thebattery assembly 126 may be configured to charge and/or dischargedepending on a control and management algorithm, etc.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the evaporator fan motor 123and/or the heat-generating assembly 324 (also called the burnerassembly) are configured to be controlled by a fan-and-burner controller119.

In accordance with an embodiment, the air-handler module 100 alsoincludes an electric heating element 127, and an electric heatingcontroller 129 configured to operate the electric heating element 127.

The electric heating element 127 is configured to selectively notprovide thermal energy (heat) for heating the building structure 900 forthe case where natural gas rates (fuel costs) are relatively lessexpensive than electric rates (electrical costs) associated with theelectric utility grid 816. For this case, heating of the buildingstructure 900 is provided by utilizing (consuming) natural gas, and thegeneration of electric power may be provided by the generator assembly117.

The electric heating element 127 is also configured to selectivelyprovide, in use, thermal energy (heat) for heating the buildingstructure 900 (by consuming electric power provided by the electricutility grid 816) for the case where the electric rates (costs) arerelatively less expensive than the natural gas rates (fuel costs). Forthis case, electric power is not produced by the generator assembly 117.

The selection between the two heating modes (the operation of theelectric heating element 127) may occur by operation of a thermostat(not shown and known), a controller (not shown and known), and anyequivalent thereof.

FIG. 11 depicts a schematic view of the evaporator-expansion module 101of FIG. 1.

Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 11, a battery assembly148 is configured to operate independently of the electric utility grid816 (the electric grid), in which case the battery may be used toprovide the DC power that is inverted to three-phase AC power for usageby the pump motor 115 of the pump assembly 114. The battery assembly 148(also called an on-board battery bank) is configured to allow for gridindependent operation for the evaporator-expansion module 101 (that is,for the vapor expansion cycle utilized in the evaporator assembly 120,as depicted in FIG. 1). For the case where the evaporator-expansionmodule 101 is deployed as a grid-independent system, the power outputfrom the generator assembly 117 is utilized to either (A) charge thebattery assembly 148 via a battery controller 140, and/or (B) powerother electrical loads directly connected to the evaporator-expansionmodule 101. Power input for the internal loads may always be obtainedfrom the battery assembly 148 through the battery controller 140 (uponstart-up, etc.). The generator assembly 117 is provided with no outputto the electrical-distribution panel 144 (breaker panel or utility gridconnection). The power generation system 150 is utility grid independent(that is, the power generation system 150 is not electrically connectedto the electric utility grid 816). The evaporator-expansion module 101and the air-handler module 100 may initialize operations from (andobtain electrical power from) the battery assembly 148.

The following is offered as further description of the embodiments, inwhich any one or more of any technical feature (described in thedetailed description, the summary and the claims) may be combinable withany another one or more of any technical feature (described in thedetailed description, the summary and the claims). It is understood thateach claim in the claims section is an open ended claim unless statedotherwise. Unless otherwise specified, relational terms used in thesespecifications should be construed to include certain tolerances thatthe person skilled in the art would recognize as providing equivalentfunctionality. By way of example, the term perpendicular is notnecessarily limited to 90.0 degrees, and may include a variation thereofthat the person skilled in the art would recognize as providingequivalent functionality for the purposes described for the relevantmember or element. Terms such as “about” and “substantially”, in thecontext of configuration, relate generally to disposition, location, orconfiguration that are either exact or sufficiently close to thelocation, disposition, or configuration of the relevant element topreserve operability of the element within the invention which does notmaterially modify the invention. Similarly, unless specifically madeclear from its context, numerical values should be construed to includecertain tolerances that the person skilled in the art would recognize ashaving negligible importance as they do not materially change theoperability of the invention. It will be appreciated that thedescription and/or drawings identify and describe embodiments of theapparatus 199 (either explicitly or inherently). The apparatus 199 mayinclude any suitable combination and/or permutation of the technicalfeatures as identified in the detailed description, as may be requiredand/or desired to suit a particular technical purpose and/or technicalfunction. It will be appreciated that, where possible and suitable, anyone or more of the technical features of the apparatus 199 may becombined with any other one or more of the technical features of theapparatus 199 (in any combination and/or permutation). It will beappreciated that persons skilled in the art would know that thetechnical features of each embodiment may be deployed (where possible)in other embodiments even if not expressly stated as such above. It willbe appreciated that persons skilled in the art would know that otheroptions may be possible for the configuration of the components of theapparatus 199 to adjust to manufacturing requirements and still remainwithin the scope as described in at least one or more of the claims.This written description provides embodiments, including the best mode,and also enables the person skilled in the art to make and use theembodiments. The patentable scope may be defined by the claims. Thewritten description and/or drawings may help to understand the scope ofthe claims. It is believed that all the crucial aspects of the disclosedsubject matter have been provided in this document. It is understood,for this document, that the word “includes” is equivalent to the word“comprising” in that both words are used to signify an open-endedlisting of assemblies, components, parts, etc. The term “comprising”,which is synonymous with the terms “including,” “containing,” or“characterized by,” is inclusive or open-ended and does not excludeadditional, unrecited elements or method steps. Comprising (comprisedof) is an “open” phrase and allows coverage of technologies that employadditional, unrecited elements. When used in a claim, the word“comprising” is the transitory verb (transitional term) that separatesthe preamble of the claim from the technical features of the invention.The foregoing has outlined the non-limiting embodiments (examples). Thedescription is made for particular non-limiting embodiments (examples).It is understood that the non-limiting embodiments are merelyillustrative as examples.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: an air-handler moduleconfigured to provide thermal energy to a building structure; and anevaporator-expansion module configured to provide electric energy to thebuilding structure; and the evaporator-expansion module also configuredto cooperate with the air-handler module; and the evaporator-expansionmodule including: an evaporator assembly, including: a heated fluidconduit configured to convey, in use, a heated fluid; and a refrigerantconduit configured to convey, in use, an evaporator refrigerant; and theheated fluid conduit being positioned relative to the refrigerantconduit in such a way that the heated fluid conduit, in use, transfersthermal energy from the heated fluid that is positioned in the heatedfluid conduit to the evaporator refrigerant that is positioned in therefrigerant conduit.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the heatedfluid conduit is configured to receive the heated fluid from aheat-generating assembly.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: theheated fluid conduit includes a plurality of combustion exhaust-gastubes aligned along a linear direction.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein: an amount of thermal energy from the heated fluid, in use, istransferred to the evaporator refrigerant; and the evaporatorrefrigerant, in use, departs from the evaporator assembly and enters anexpander assembly, in which the evaporator refrigerant, in use, impartsmechanical energy to the expander assembly, and the expander assembly,in use, turns a generator assembly to produce electricity; and theevaporator refrigerant departs from the generator assembly and enters acondenser assembly in such a way that thermal energy from the evaporatorrefrigerant is transferred, at least in part, to an supply air assembly;and the evaporator refrigerant, in use, departs from the condenserassembly and enters a pump assembly, in which the pump assembly, in use,imparts mechanical energy to the evaporator refrigerant; and theevaporator refrigerant, in use, departs from the pump assembly andenters the evaporator assembly.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:the evaporator assembly further includes: a thermal buffer; and thethermal buffer is configured to be positioned relative to the heatedfluid conduit and the refrigerant conduit in such a way that the thermalbuffer, in use, transfers, at least in part, thermal energy from theheated fluid that is positioned in the heated fluid conduit to theevaporator refrigerant that is positioned in the refrigerant conduit. 6.The apparatus of claim 5, wherein: the thermal buffer is configured to:limit an amount of heat transfer to the evaporator refrigerant; andlimit a temperature of the evaporator refrigerant positioned in therefrigerant conduit; and physically isolate the heated fluid conduitfrom the refrigerant conduit.
 7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein: aninterior of the evaporator assembly is configured to receive the thermalbuffer; and the heated fluid conduit includes spaced-apart tubesconfigured to extend through the thermal buffer.
 8. The apparatus ofclaim 5, wherein: an evaporator fan is configured to receive a mixtureof pre-mixed fuel and air; and the evaporator fan is configured to befluidly coupled to an inlet manifold; and the heated fluid conduit isconfigured to be fluidly connectable to the inlet manifold; and theheated fluid conduit is fluidly connected to an outlet manifold.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 8, wherein: a combustion exhaust-gas vent isconfigured to be fluidly connectable to the outlet manifold.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 9, wherein: a water-vapor drain is configured toextend from the outlet manifold; and a pressure vent is configured to becoupled to an interior of the evaporator assembly, and the pressure ventis configured to relieve excessive interior pressure of the evaporatorassembly.
 11. An apparatus, comprising: an evaporator-expansion moduleconfigured to provide electric energy to a building structure; and theevaporator-expansion module also configured to cooperate with anair-handler module, in which the air-handler module is configured toprovide thermal energy to the building structure; and theevaporator-expansion module including: an evaporator assembly,including: a heated fluid conduit configured to convey, in use, a heatedfluid; and a refrigerant conduit configured to convey, in use, anevaporator refrigerant; and the heated fluid conduit being positionedrelative to the refrigerant conduit in such a way that the heated fluidconduit, in use, transfers thermal energy from the heated fluid that ispositioned in the heated fluid conduit to the evaporator refrigerantthat is positioned in the refrigerant conduit.
 12. The apparatus ofclaim 11, wherein: the heated fluid conduit is configured to receive theheated fluid from a heat-generating assembly.
 13. The apparatus of claim11, wherein: the heated fluid conduit includes a plurality of combustionexhaust-gas tubes aligned along a linear direction.
 14. The apparatus ofclaim 11, wherein: an amount of thermal energy from the heated fluid, inuse, is transferred to the evaporator refrigerant; and the evaporatorrefrigerant, in use, departs from the evaporator assembly and enters anexpander assembly, in which the evaporator refrigerant, in use, impartsmechanical energy to the expander assembly, and the expander assembly,in use, turns a generator assembly to produce electricity; and theevaporator refrigerant departs from the expander assembly and enters acondenser assembly in such a way that thermal energy from the evaporatorrefrigerant is transferred, at least in part, to an supply air assembly;and the evaporator refrigerant, in use, departs from the condenserassembly and enters a pump assembly, in which the pump assembly, in use,imparts mechanical energy to the evaporator refrigerant; and theevaporator refrigerant, in use, departs from the pump assembly andenters the evaporator assembly.
 15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein:the evaporator assembly further includes: a thermal buffer; and thethermal buffer is configured to be positioned relative to the heatedfluid conduit and the refrigerant conduit in such a way that the thermalbuffer, in use, transfers, at least in part, thermal energy from theheated fluid that is positioned in the heated fluid conduit to theevaporator refrigerant that is positioned in the refrigerant conduit.16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein: the thermal buffer is configuredto: limit an amount of heat transfer to the evaporator refrigerant; andlimit a temperature of the evaporator refrigerant positioned in therefrigerant conduit; and physically isolate the heated fluid conduitfrom the refrigerant conduit.
 17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein: aninterior of the evaporator assembly is configured to receive the thermalbuffer; and the heated fluid conduit includes spaced-apart tubesconfigured to extend through the thermal buffer.
 18. The apparatus ofclaim 15, wherein: an evaporator fan is configured to receive a mixtureof pre-mixed fuel and air; and the evaporator fan is configured to befluidly coupled to an inlet manifold; and the heated fluid conduit isconfigured to be fluidly connectable to the inlet manifold; and theheated fluid conduit is fluidly connected to an outlet manifold.
 19. Theapparatus of claim 18, wherein: a combustion exhaust-gas vent isconfigured to be fluidly connectable to the outlet manifold.
 20. Theapparatus of claim 19, wherein: a water-vapor drain is configured toextend from the outlet manifold; and a pressure vent is configured to becoupled to an interior of the evaporator assembly, and the pressure ventis configured to relieve excessive interior pressure of the evaporatorassembly.